Derek McInnes has ruled himself out of the running to be next Scotland manager

The Scottish Football Association has set a Monday deadline to appoint the new
Scotland manager – but the job will not be going to Aberdeen boss Derek
McInnes.

The squad for next month’s crucial Euro 2020 qualifiers with Cyprus and Belgium is due to be announced on Tuesday, May 28, and the SFA wants to give the new man in charge at least a week to draw up his first selection.

However, McInnes will not be in the running after Aberdeen vice-chairman Dave Cormack announced the Dons boss had dropped out of the race.

Cormack said McInnes has indicated to the Pittodrie board that he would reject the Scotland job even if the SFA decided he was the man it wanted.

Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke is the favourite to get the job

McInnes’ decision means Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke now appears to be out on his own as the leading contender to take over from McLeish, who was sacked last month.

By setting a deadline for Monday, the governing body appears to be giving Clarke the time he needs to complete this season’s duties with Kilmarnock before making their move.

Scot Gemmill is also thought to be in the frame

Killie host Rangers at Rugby Park on Sunday as they play their final league fixture of the campaign.

Former West Brom and Reading boss Clarke confirmed last month he had received no contact about taking over as Scotland manager but did admit he would be interested in the position “at some stage”.

He added: “Whether it is now or not is a matter for you guys to talk about and speculate.

“I am fully focused on finishing the season well here at Kilmarnock.

“I don’t speculate, there is no point in doing that. I know how football works. I am fully focused on this job here.”